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The Armenian town of Meghri has concluded its year as the 2026 Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), handing over the title to the Belarusian city of Molodechno.
According to a statement released by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the “Meghri – CIS Cultural Capital 2026” program concluded with a joint concert featuring national songs and traditional instrumental music from CIS countries.
Welcoming remarks at the ceremony were delivered by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Tigran Virabyan; Deputy Governor of Syunik Province Hayk Harutyunyan; Anatoly Iksanov, Executive Director of the Interstate Foundation for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States; and Artur Grigoryan, First Deputy Head of Meghri Community. A welcoming address by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev was also presented.
Deputy Minister Tigran Virabyan said that the program to designate Meghri as a cultural capital had been a major responsibility, providing an opportunity to showcase Armenian culture and develop the region’s infrastructure while boosting tourism.
Virabyan noted that Meghri had proudly held the title of CIS Cultural Capital, becoming a unique platform for dialogue. Between April and November, around 30 diverse events were held in Meghri, including tree planting, the “Taraz Fest,” the Commonwealth Countries Film Festival, the Yerevan Book Festival’s traveling edition, folk crafts and dance festivals, a stamp cancellation ceremony, and other events.
The cultural events covered not only the town of Meghri but also other settlements in Meghri Community, including Agarak and Shvanidzor, in line with Armenia’s strategy of decentralizing cultural life and making culture more accessible.
“Meghri has proven that it has great potential to inspire, unite and represent Armenian culture with distinction on international platforms. This program was more than just a series of events for us. Although today we are officially closing the chapter on Meghri’s tenure as a cultural capital, I am confident that it has left its mark on everyone’s hearts and genuinely contributed to revitalizing cultural life in Meghri, discovering creative potential and opening up new prospects for future cooperation, while building new creative and cultural bridges,” Virabyan said, thanking the Interstate Foundation for Humanitarian Cooperation for its cooperation.
The deputy minister wished success to the Belarusian city of Molodechno, which will assume the role of CIS Cultural Capital in 2027. Virabyan formally handed over the title to Alesia Lukovskaya, Deputy Chair of the Molodechno District Executive Committee of the Republic of Belarus, presenting her with a commemorative artwork depicting the sun as a symbol of the cultural relay.
Anatoly Iksanov, Executive Director of the Interstate Foundation for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States, welcomed the attendees and congratulated Meghri on becoming a new and shining star in the constellation of CIS cultural capitals.
“Meghri is a town where particular reverence is shown for its centuries-old history. With its architectural monuments, fragrant gardens and exceptionally hospitable people, it inspires respect and interest. I am confident that those who took part in the events will take home vivid impressions and a little of the warmth they experienced here,” Iksanov said, expressing his gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports and the Meghri Municipality for their cooperation.
The closing concert of the “Meghri – CIS Cultural Capital 2026” program featured performances by the Kayt Ethno Group, which presented traditional Armenian folk songs and melodies, including rare and forgotten pieces, in contemporary arrangements.
Artists from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also performed national songs and played traditional musical instruments.
Ahead of the closing ceremony, Deputy Minister Tigran Virabyan, Executive Director of the Interstate Foundation for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States Anatoly Iksanov, Deputy Head of the CIS Executive Committee’s Department for Political, Social and Humanitarian Cooperation Khalmurat Rashidov, and Deputy Chair of the Molodechno District Executive Committee Alesia Lukovskaya held a briefing with media representatives.
As part of the closing program, a cultural tour was organized for representatives of delegations from CIS member states. During their visit, the delegates toured Meghri’s historical and cultural sites and visited the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Mets Tagh and the Church of St. John the Baptist in Pokr Tagh.
The delegation members also strolled through the historic Pokr Tagh neighborhood, where they learned about the everyday life of local residents, as well as Meghri’s rich traditions and cultural heritage.